Cultural center volunteers to be lauded

Star-Bulletin staff

In recognition of their work to raise awareness of Japanese-American internment camps in Hawaii, Robert K. Bratt, Betsy Young and Jane Kurahara will each receive the 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the Japanese American Citizens League.

Hosted by the Honolulu chapter, the awards ceremony will be held Saturday at the Japanese Cultural Center's Manoa Ballroom.

"We are pleased to honor these three well-deserving individuals for their tremendous service to our communities," chapter President David Forman said in a news release.

As the first director of the Office of Redress Administration, Bratt is credited for his "tireless commitment" to help former internees receive $20,000 in compensation and an apology from the president.

Volunteering at the Japanese Cultural Center, Young and Kurahara helped preserve the Honouliuli internment site in Leeward Oahu through their research and publications.

JACL members and seniors can purchase tickets for $30. General admission is $40.